Key Stage 3 Music - Song Writing

Starter

Watch the verse and chorus of this video (music starts at 0'31").

• How many lines in the verse?
• How many times does the chord progression repeat in the verse?
• How many lines in the chorus?
• Compare the chord progression in the verse with the chorus
• How is the chorus different?

The chord progression for this song is:

             Am    F     C

What is the key for this song?

What other chords can you use in this key?

Practical in Pairs

 Using the helpsheet learn how to play your chord progression from last lesson using the style backing on the keyboards

1.  Select an appropriate style
2.  Put the keyboard into accompaniment mode - in this mode by playing the chords in the bottom octave (left side) of the keyboard you can create an automatic backing of chords, bassline and drums.
3.  Practice using the automatic accompaniment to play your chord progression along with the drum backing

If you have composed a four bar chord progression then you need to change chords every four beats (get your partner to count in time with the drum backing)

Repeat the chord progression four times - one for each line of the verse.

Fancy a Challenge?

• Chord Progression - Create a new four bar chord progression that could be used for the chorus
• Add a Melody to fit with the Chord Progression - sing or hum along with the chords and see if you can come up with a catchy melody
• Structure - Develop your chord progression(s) into a verse/chorus pop song structure
• Instruments - can you select an appropriate instrument on the keyboard to play along with the accompaniment using either chords or riffs or melody?
• Instruments - can you play along with the accompaniment on your instrument (e.g. ukulele) using either chords or riffs or melody?
• Can you record your backing to playback and perform chords or riffs or melody on top?